KALAMUNDA community radio station (KCR) has received two new studios thanks to the hard work of the station’s volunteers and $80,000 in grants from the state and federal government, association members and the City of Kalamunda.
Station secretary Julie Evans said the new studios would considerably improve the operation of the station with enhanced facilities for presenters and a better experience for listeners.
“The station is now capable of operating virtually ‘off-grid’ all day enabling us to stay on air during emergency situations in our local area. We also have excellent facilities for local music groups to perform live on air or make recordings,” she said.
“Community radio stations in Australia play an important part in keeping members of their local community informed about events and issues specific to their area – something that large state-based stations are not able to do.
“They also play a vital role in emergencies such as bush fires.”
Many community stations, including KCR, have been in existence for more than 25 years, and with over 450 such stations around Australia they occupy a unique position not found in other, much less sparsely populated, countries.
The new studios were officially opened on the centenary of the first radio broadcast in Australia.
Kalamunda MLA Matthew Hughes was also in attendance to recognise all the hard work the station’s volunteers have put in over the years.
“I’m delighted to be here and see the fruit of the ambition of the many Kalamunda community radio enthusiasts,” he said.
“It’s great to see that the City of Kalamunda has supported KCR to get a long-term home.”
The station is based in the Gooseberry Hill community hall, with $80,000 in grants from the state and federal government, association members and the City of Kalamunda helping the station build the new studios.
The first official radio broadcast in Australia was in November 1923 by 2SB in Sydney, which is now known as ABC radio.
Further information can be found on the KCR website at www.kcr-fm.org.au
